France defeated Senegal 3-1 [1] in their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on June 18, 2026 [2].

The victory establishes France as an early contender in the tournament and highlights the offensive dominance of Kylian Mbappé, whose performance shifted the momentum of the game.

The match took place at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey [3]. While France secured the win, defender William Saliba said the team struggled during the early stages of the contest. "En première mi-temps, on n'a pas été bons," Saliba said, referring to the team's poor performance in the first half.

Mbappé provided the necessary spark to overcome the slow start by scoring two goals [4]. His brace proved decisive in securing the 3-1 [1] result against Senegal. Saliba said the forward's ability to change the course of the match came through individual brilliance.

"He's crazy, the way he scores – it’s amazing," Saliba said. The defender said Mbappé's goals were both inspirational and critical to the victory [4].

France now moves forward in the group stage with a win in the U.S. [3]. The team's ability to recover from a lackluster first half suggests a resilience that could be vital as the tournament progresses. Saliba and the defensive line will look to maintain stability as they face subsequent opponents in the competition.

“"En première mi-temps, on n'a pas été bons."”

A strong start for France reinforces their status as a favorite for the title. By overcoming a sluggish first half through Mbappé's individual scoring ability, the team demonstrates a high ceiling of talent that can compensate for tactical lapses, though Saliba's critique of the early game suggests areas for improvement in cohesive play.